A way with words: Punjabi literary magazine ‘Lafznama’ launched

“Lafz means words and Nama means pen/letters… Lafznama, I feel, lends a beautiful meaning and substance to the magazine, and reflects our passion and vision,” said Affan Yesvi, director of Rhyvers Press.

The name of the magazine has been coined by Dr Lakhvinder Johal, president of Punjab Sahitya Akademi, and Yesvi.

“Rhyvers has two more magazines, in English and in Hindi… While we were working on these, we would get frequent entries in Punjabi as well, and that propelled this initiative. We sat, brainstormed, and the outcome was Lafznama,” added Yesvi, who has published books in the Punjabi language.

It is the overwhelming response to the books and demand for Punjabi writings and literature that made Yesvi realise the reach and importance of regional works. “The Punjabi lit community is also very connected and supportive of each other, and it makes a magazine like Lafznama all the more relevant,” said Yesvi.

Available online and offline, Yesvi said, the magazine has been started to introduce a “print/digital magazine in Punjabi literary arena which would not only have poetry or stories but would also carry other features like flash fiction, interviews, views, reviews etc. It is a magazine to celebrate Panjabiyat, the glorious culture and language of Punjab, the land of five rivers.”

Meanwhile, Ravee Pandher, executive editor of the magazine, held a panel discussion, ‘Redefining the landscape’, on Punjab’s art, culture, literature, and cinema in the digital era.

Dr Misra said Lafznama is a great initiative for promoting Punjabi literature, language, art, and culture, and Dr Patar added that languages are dynamic entities, and Lafznama brings forth the glory and richness of the Punjabi language.